Integrated thermal comfort control system with variable mode of operation

ABSTRACT

A system for controlling thermal comfort in a space is provided with variable mode of operation. This system may include a conditioner for conditioning air in the space, and a sensor for measuring a temperature in the space. A controller is provided for controlling the conditioner based on the temperature sensed by the sensor, and a fan for circulating air within the space is regulated based on the temperature sensed by the sensor. A related system for controlling a fan based on height is also provided, as is a system and method for easily and efficiently determining the height of a fan using a simple camera, such as one on a “smart” phone. A further aspect pertains to a controller, such as for example a portable handheld device, having a user interface adapted for suggesting an increase in a set point temperature of a thermostat based on the selected speed of the fan.

This application incorporates by reference the disclosures of U.S.Provisional patent application Ser. Nos. 61/720,679, 61/755,627,61/807,903, 62/092,532, 62/097,860, 62/097,860, 62/150,986, 13/790,646,and also International Patent Applications PCT/US13/067828 and PCT/US15/27998. This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.No. 15/540,321, which is a National Stage of ApplicationPCT/US2015/068026, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND

Ceiling fans have long been used in residences as an energy efficientmeans of increasing occupant thermal comfort in the summer and creatinguniform air temperatures floor to ceiling in the winter. During monthswith colder weather, many residents utilize forced air heating systemsto maintain comfortable conditions within their living spaces. As energycosts continue to rise, so does the cost for heating these spaces.

Historically, conventional ceiling fans have been used to mix the heatin a room with the colder air at floor level by running at relativelyhigh speeds in reverse, with the hopes that either the thermostat(s)will be exposed to warmer air (so the heating system would run lessfrequently) or to allow for decreased thermostat set point (as a resultof increased effective temperature after the air is mixed). This mayrequire physical human intervention to change fan direction from forwardto reverse and does not account for room occupancy or the state of thehome's thermostat.

Further, research shows that running conventional ceiling fans inreverse can be noisy or otherwise distracting, may cause drafts alongthe perimeters of the room in which they are installed, and consume moreenergy than what is required to effectively mix the air by othermethods. Ceiling fans, when operated intelligently, can optimize bothenergy conservation and thermal comfort during cooling and heatingseasons. In fact, studies indicate that total energy savings (on heatingand cooling) of up to 30% can be achieved by incorporating ceiling fans.Occupants of residences or commercial properties do not wish to adjusttheir fan configuration whenever they change the thermostat from aheating to a cooling setting, or vice versa.

Accordingly, a need is identified for an integrated thermal comfortcontrol system that addresses any or all of the foregoing limitations.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect of the disclosure, a fan system for a spaceassociated with a conditioner for conditioning air in the space isprovided. The system comprises a sensor for measuring a temperature inthe space, a controller for controlling the conditioner based on thetemperature sensed by the sensor, and a fan for circulating air withinthe space based on the temperature sensed by the sensor.

In one embodiment, the controller comprises a thermostat, and the sensoris connected to the thermostat. In this or another embodiment, the fancomprises a fan adapted for being mounted to a ceiling in the space. Thesensor may be connected to the fan, and may also provide temperature orother information for regulating other devices besides fan. Thus, forinstance, the controller may include a set point temperature forregulating the on/off condition of the conditioner, and may be adaptedfor adjusting the set point temperature based on the temperature sensedby the sensor.

According to a further aspect of the disclosure, a fan system forcirculating air within a space includes a fan for circulating air withinthe space, a sensor for sensing whether the space is occupied, and acontroller for controlling the fan to operate at a first speed when thespace is occupied and a second speed when the space is unoccupied. Thefirst speed may be a pre-determined minimum speed or a user-definedminimum speed, and the second speed may be a pre-determined maximumspeed.

In one embodiment, the fan is controlled to vary between the first speedand the second speed when the space is determined to be occupied. Forinstance, the fan may be controlled to vary sinusoidally between thefirst speed and the second speed. The fan may be controlled to varybetween a maximum speed and a minimum speed.

In an unoccupied state of the space, the fan may be controlled to varybetween a maximum speed for providing an appreciable level ofdetstratification and a second, lower speed. Alternatively oradditionally, the fan may be controlled such that the first speed is aspeed at which an appreciable air velocity is created at a particulardistance from the fan.

In accordance with a further aspect of the disclosure, a fan system forcirculating air within a space includes a fan for circulating air withinthe space and a controller for automatically controlling the fan tooperate at a first speed in a winter mode of operation, and toautomatically adjust the first speed to a second, lower speed during asubsequent automatic control operation when a user manually indicatesthat a third lower speed is desired during the operation of the fan atthe first speed. The system may include a sensor for sensing whether thespace is occupied, and wherein the controller automatically controls thefan to automatically adjust to the second speed only when the space isoccupied.

Yet another aspect of the disclosure pertains to a fan system forcirculating air within a space. The system includes a fan forcirculating air within the space, the fan corresponding to a heightwithin the space, and a controller for controlling the fan to operate ata fan speed based on the height. The controller may control the fanbased on the height determined by an approximate distance from a floorof the space to an airfoil associated with the fan. The system mayinclude a user input for inputting the distance. The system may alsoinclude a device for estimating the distance based on a plurality ofphotographs of the fan.

Still a further aspect of the disclosure pertains to a fan system for aspace including a fan for circulating air within the space and a heaterremote from the fan for supplying heated air to the space. The systemcomprises a thermostat for controlling the heater, and a controller forcontrolling the fan based on the activation of the heater.

Yet a further aspect of the disclosure pertains to an apparatuscomprising a fan adapted for being controlled to operate according to amode of operation based on a thermostat being in a heating or coolingmode. The fan may be controlled to operate according to a winter mode ofoperation when the thermostat is in a heating mode.

The disclosure additionally pertains to a system for conditioning aspace associated with a unit for conditioning the air within the space.The system comprises a thermostat for controlling the unit, thethermostat having a set point temperature, a fan for circulating air inthe space, and a controller for regulating the set point temperature ofthe thermostat based on a condition associated with the fan or thecontroller. The condition may be a temperature at the location of thefan, which may include a sensor for sensing the temperature. Thecondition may comprise an operational state of the fan, and thecontroller may comprise a portable handheld device or a wall controller.

A further aspect of the disclosure pertains to a system for conditioninga space associated with a unit for conditioning the air within thespace. The system comprises a thermostat for controlling the unit, thethermostat having a set point temperature, a fan for circulating air inthe space, and a controller adapted for regulating a speed of the fanand a set point temperature of the thermostat. The controller maycomprise a portable handheld device having a user interface adapted forsuggesting an increase in the set point temperature based on theselected speed of the fan.

An apparatus for circulating air in a space also forms a part of thisdisclosure, which apparatus includes a fan and means for determining anapproximate height of the fan in the space. The means may comprise adevice adapted for determining the approximate height based on aplurality of photographs of the fan. A controller may also be providedfor controlling the fan, at least in part, based on the determinedapproximate height.

A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system forconditioning a plurality of zones associated with a unit for supplyingconditioned air to the zones. Each zone may include a fan forcirculating air in the zone, and a damper associated with supplyingconditioned air from the unit to at least one of the zones. The systemcomprises a controller associated with each zone, the controller adaptedfor regulating the fan, the unit for conditioning the air, and thedamper associated with each zone. The controller may be adapted forbeing mounted on a wall in each zone, and may also be adapted forcontrolling a light associated with each zone.

Yet a further aspect of the disclosure pertains to a system forconditioning a space associated with a unit including a blower forblowing conditioned air to the space. The system comprises a fan forcirculating air in the space, and a controller for regulating the speedof the blower based on a condition associated with the fan or thecontroller.

Still another aspect of the disclosure relates to a fan having aplurality of blades mounted to a hub, a support member having an upperend portion and a lower end portion for supporting the hub, and a coverassociated with (but not necessarily covering) the upper portion of thesupport member, the cover including at least one indicator forindicating a condition of the fan. The cover may cover includes aplurality of indicators for indicating the condition of the fan. Theindicators may be arranged in an annular fashion around the supportmember. The cover may include an at least translucent portion forallowing light from the one or more indicators to pass.

Still another aspect of the disclosure pertains to a method fordetermining a height of a structure associated with an overhead fan. Themethod comprises determining the height of the structure based on firstand second images of the overhead fan. The method may further includethe steps of obtaining the first image of the fan taken with a cameralocated at a floor, and obtaining the second image of the fan taken withthe camera located at a known height. The method may further include thestep of providing an object having the known height for supporting thecamera for obtaining the second image.

Yet another aspect of the disclosure pertains to a method ofconditioning a space. The method comprises automatically adjusting anoperating condition of a thermostat for controlling a conditioning unitfor conditioning air in the space based on a sensed condition in thespace.

Still a further aspect of the disclosure pertains to a method ofconditioning a space. The method comprises automatically adjusting anoperating condition of a thermostat for controlling a conditioning unitfor conditioning air in the space based on an operating mode of a fanfor moving air in the space.

Also in this disclosure is a method for conditioning a plurality ofzones associated with a unit for supplying conditioned air to the zones,a fan for circulating air in each zone, and a damper associated withsupplying conditioned air from the unit to at least one of the zones.The method includes, using a controller associated with at least one ofthe zones, regulating the fan, the unit for conditioning the air, andthe damper associated with the zone based on a condition in the zonesensed by the controller. The sensed condition may be selected from thegroup consisting of temperature or occupancy.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims which particularly pointout and distinctly claim the invention, it is believed the presentinvention will be better understood from the following description ofcertain examples taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, inwhich like reference numerals identify the same elements and in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary fan having a motorassembly, a hub assembly, a support, a plurality of fan blades, and amounting system coupled with joists;

FIGS. 2 and 2A, 2B, and 2C include various views of exemplary fans;

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary thermal comfortcontrol system utilizing circulating fans;

FIGS. 4-7 illustrate schematically determining a fan height using animage recording device;

FIG. 8 depicts a further view of a fan and a thermostat;

FIG. 9 shows an example of a user interface;

FIG. 10 shows an arrangement wherein a thermostat may be influenced byconditions sensed at remote locations; and

FIG. 11 shows an arrangement wherein controllers associated with variouszones may be used to effect control of thermal comfort conditions.

The drawings are not intended to be limiting in any way, and it iscontemplated that various embodiments of the invention may be carriedout in a variety of other ways, including those not necessarily depictedin the drawings. The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming apart of the specification illustrate several aspects of the presentinvention, and together with the description serve to explain theprinciples of the invention; it being understood, however, that thisinvention is not limited to the precise arrangements shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description of certain examples of the invention shouldnot be used to limit the scope of the claimed invention. Other examples,features, aspects, embodiments, and advantages of the invention willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art from the followingdescription, which includes by way of illustration, one or more of thebest modes contemplated for carrying out the invention. As will berealized, the invention is capable of other different and obviousaspects, all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, thedrawings and descriptions should be regarded as illustrative in natureand not restrictive.

I. Exemplary Fan Overview

Referring to FIG. 1 , a fan (110) of the present example comprises amotor assembly (112), a support (114), a hub (116), and a plurality offan blades (118) or airfoils, which may include winglets (120). In thepresent example, fan (110) (including hub (116) and fan blades (118))has a diameter of greater than about 3 feet and, more specifically,approximately 8 feet. In other variations, fan (110) has a diameterbetween approximately 6 feet, inclusive, and approximately 24 feet,inclusive. Alternatively, fan (110) may have any other suitabledimensions, such as a 3-7 foot overhead fan having an ornamental designfor use in commercial or residential spaces (see FIG. 2 ), and having asupport (114) mounted to the ceiling, such as along a joist (400) orotherwise. The particular type of fan (110) used is not consideredimportant to controlling thermal comfort, but the concepts disclosed mayhave particular applicability to the types of fans for circulating airwithin a space or room, such as overhead ceiling fans depending from aceiling with exposed, rotating blades, as shown in the drawings. Anyembodiment disclosed herein may be considered to operate in connectionwith such overhead ceiling fan(s), at a minimum.

With reference to FIG. 2B, it can be understood that the fan (110) maybe provided with one or more indicators, such as in the form of LEDlights (111 a, 111 b). The lights (111 a, 111 b) may produce differentcolors of visible light or color temperature, and thus may be used toprovide an indication of the mode of operation of the fan (for example,an indicator (111 a) in blue may indicate operation in “Winter Mode,”while an indicator (111 b) in red may indicate operation in “SleepMode”). Alternatively, a particular pattern of lights may be anindication of mode (i.e., both lights (111 a, 111 b) on may indicateWinter Mode, whereas, one light on may indicate a regular or“non-Winter” mode of operation).

FIGS. 2B and 2C show a further example of a fan (110) including a mainlight (L) and a canopy (122) associated with the first or upper portionof the support (114), the second or lower end of which is connected tothe hub (116). The canopy (122) may include the one or more indicators(111 a, 111 b) for indicating a particular mode of operation (such asfor example speed, winter mode, summer mode, etc.). In the illustratedembodiment, the canopy (122) includes a transparent or semi-transparentwindow or lens (122 a) that covers a plurality of lights formingindicators (111 a-111 h), such as LEDs (eight shown in the example, butmore or fewer may be provided). The indicators (111 a-111 h) may bearranged in an annular configuration surrounding the support (114), andthe lens (122 a) may be a corresponding shape. The indicators (111 a-111h) may be powered by an associated controller (124), which may bepowered by the fan (110) and controlled by any associated controller(such as master control (160), as discussed below). The upper portion ofthe support (114) associated with the canopy (122) may include a ballfor corresponding with a socket formed in the cover, as outlined furtherin U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/790,646. Thus, the canopy (122)may also be considered to comprise a hanger for hanging the fan from astable structure, such as a joist (400) or the ceiling.

II. Exemplary Thermal Comfort Control System

It may be desirable to utilize exemplary fan (110) disclosed above toimprove the efficiency of a typical climate control system, therebycreating a thermal comfort control system (100). Exemplary fan (110)described above would improve the efficiency of a typical climatecontrol system by circulating the air, thus preventing the formation ofpockets of heated or cooled air in locations that do not benefit theoccupants, or in which an increased difference between indoor andoutdoor temperatures across an exterior wall and roof increases the rateof heat transfer through the surface. Another added benefit of exemplaryfan (110) is that when the circulating air created by fan (110) comesinto contact with human skin, the rate of heat transfer away from thehuman body increases, thus generating a cooling effect which allows formore efficient use of the HVAC system during periods of cooling.

By way of example only, an otherwise standard climate control system maybe modified to form system (100) by including at least one exemplary fan(110), one or more temperature sensors (such as for example, at leastone low-elevation sensor (130), at least one high-elevation sensor(140), and/or one or more thermostats (1110) adapted to sensetemperature; see FIG. 8 ), at least one occupancy sensor (150), at leastone controller (160), at least one HVAC system (200) or unit, andoptionally at least one external sensor (180) as shown in FIG. 3 . Thecontrol system (100) may comprise any group or selection of theforegoing components, or others described herein.

While exemplary thermal comfort control system (100) is shown asincluding an overhead fan (110) as described above, it should beunderstood that any other type of fan may be included in exemplarythermal comfort control system (100), including combinations ofdifferent types of fans. Such other fans may include pedestal mountedfans, wall mounted fans, or building ventilation fans, among others. Itshould also be understood that the locations of sensors (130, 140, 150,180) as shown in FIG. 3 are merely exemplary. Sensors (130, 140, 150,180) may be positioned at any other suitable locations, in addition toor in lieu of the locations shown in FIG. 3 . By way of example onlyhigh-elevation sensor (140) may be mounted to a joist (400), to the fan(110), to the upper region of a wall, and/or in any other suitablelocation(s). Various suitable locations where sensors (130, 140, 150,180) may be located will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in theart in view of the teachings herein. Furthermore, it should beunderstood that sensors (130, 140, 150, 180) themselves are mereexamples. Sensors (130, 140, 150, 180) may be modified or omitted asdesired.

Furthermore, various other kinds of sensors may be used as desired, inaddition to or in lieu of one or more of sensors (130, 140, 150, 180).For example, a physiological sensor (190) associated with a user may beused to sense a physiological condition of the user, as illustrated inFIG. 3 . The sensed physiological condition may relate to the user'smetabolic equivalent of task (MET), heart rate, pulse, blood pressure,body temperature (either core temperature or skin temperature),respiration, weight, perspiration, blood oxygen level, galvanic skinresponse, or any other physiological condition. By way of example, thephysiological sensor (190) may comprise a wearable sensor such as awristband, armband, belt, watch, glasses, clothing accessory, or anyother sensor capable of being worn by the user or attached to the user'sbody, or may comprise an item of furniture or an associated accessory(e.g., a pillow or cushion for a bed or couch). Additionally, thephysiological sensor (190) may comprise an internal sensor, such as asensor that has been embedded in the user or ingested.

Furthermore, system (100) may receive information from one or more othersources in addition to or in lieu of sensors (130, 140, 150, 180, 190),including but not limited to online sources. For instance, system (100)may receive one or more temperature values, other values, procedures,firmware updates, software updates, and/or other kinds of informationvia the Internet, through wire or wirelessly. Various suitable ways inwhich system (100) may communicate with the internet and/or othernetworks, as well as various types of information that may becommunicated, will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art inview of the teachings herein.

As shown in FIG. 3 , in such an exemplary thermal comfort control system(100), master controller (160) may determine an appropriate comfortcontrol setting based a number of conditions which may include externaltemperature, room occupancy, and/or time of day, among other factorswhich may exist. As merely an example of such a comfort control settingdetermination, controller (160) may choose between “Heating” or“Cooling” based upon the internal and/or external sensed temperature,the controller may then choose between “Occupied” or “Unoccupied” basedupon the sensed occupancy. These conditions, as well as others, may becommunicated to controller (160) by one or more of the sensors mentionedabove (130, 140, 150, 180, 190) and in a manner described below.

Although the appropriate comfort control setting is determined bycontroller (160) in exemplary thermal comfort control system (100)described above, other configurations of a thermal comfort controlsystem (100) may allow for an occupant to choose between multiplecomfort control settings. The comfort control settings may include,among other settings: “Occupied Heating” mode, “Unoccupied Heating”mode, “Occupied Cooling” mode, and “Unoccupied Cooling” mode. Eachsetting may have a programmable temperature set range associated withit, as well as the option to operate fan (110) as a part of a sequenceof operations of HVAC system (200), both in response to the temperaturebeing outside the relevant set range, and also, where appropriate, inresponse to other conditions such as a difference between thehigh-elevation temperature and the low-elevation temperature in aparticular room as described below.

High-elevation sensor(s) (140) and low-elevation sensor(s) (130) maysense the temperature at various locations throughout a room (such as,for example, in an upper portion of a room (such as the location of thefan (110) for the high-elevation sensor and in a lower portion of theroom (the area of occupancy) for a low-elevation sensor). The sensorsmay sense the air-dry bulb temperature, or wet bulb temperature, but donot necessarily have to sense either. High-elevation sensor(s) (140) andlow-elevation sensor(s) (130) may also sense relative humidity, airspeed, light levels, or other conditions which may exist. Of course,separate dedicated sensors may also be used to sense such otherconditions which may exist. Alternatively, communication with athermostat (1110) in the room or zone in which the fan is located mayallow for operation based on that temperature, which may be communicatedto the controller for controlling the fan.

In some versions, detected light levels may factor into controlprocedures by indicating whether it is sunny outside. For instance, alight sensor (such as, for example, a photocell) may capture ambientlight within a room during daylight hours. Accounting for any light froma man-made or artificial light source (L), system (100) may react tolight levels indicating significant sunlight reaching a room through oneor more windows, such as by increasing cooling effects (such as byregulating the fan speed (e.g., increasing the speed based on more lightbeing detected) and/or activating the HVAC system (200)) during summertime or by reducing heating effects during winter time under theassumption that the sunlight itself will provide at least a perceivedheating effect on occupants of the room. The system (100) may alsoregulate the level of artificial light based on the sensed light,including any light associated with the fan (110) or otherwise.

As another merely illustrative example, a light sensor may indicatewhether a room is occupied at night (e.g., a lit room at a timeassociated with night indicates current occupancy or expected occupancyof the room). As yet another merely illustrative example, detected lightlevels may trigger automated raising or lowering of blinds at windows ofa room, either completely or to a particular level or amount of opening,or adjustments to other forms of window treatments. Other suitable waysin which light levels may be factored into a control procedure forsystem (100) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art inview of the teachings herein. For instance, the light levels detectedmay be used to control lighting, including any light associated with thefan (110). Of course, some versions of system (100) may simply lacklight sensing capabilities.

As shown in FIG. 3 , high-elevation sensor(s) (140) may be located onfan (110), ceiling, or elsewhere in a room. Low-elevation sensor(s)(130) may be located at or near the level in which the room will beoccupied. Optionally, the exemplary thermal comfort control system mayinclude external sensors (180) that will sense the temperature, relativehumidity, barometric pressure, or other conditions that may existexternal to the building envelope. Finally, occupancy sensor(s) (150)will sense occupants within a room, and may comprise a thermal imager, acamera, or the like.

Occupancy sensor(s) (150) may be placed throughout a room, but may beespecially effective in places of entry, as shown in FIG. 3 . Sensors(130, 140, 150, 180) may be placed in a single room or zone, or may beplaced in multiple rooms or zones. Measurements from high-elevationsensor(s) (140), low-elevation sensor(s) (130), external sensor(s)(180), and occupancy sensor(s) (150) may be communicated to thecontroller (160).

Controller (160) may include a processor capable of interpreting andprocessing the information received from sensors (130, 140, 150, 180,190) to determine when the temperature is outside the relevant set rangeand also to identify temperature differentials that may exist throughouta room or space. The processor may also include control logic forexecuting certain control procedures in order to effectuate anappropriate control response based upon the information (temperature,air speed, relative humidity, etc.) communicated from sensors (130, 140,150, 180, 190) and the setting automatically chosen by controller (160)or manually chosen by the occupant. An appropriate control response maybe carried out through commands communicated from controller (160) tofan(s) (110) and/or HVAC system (200) (or thermostat (1110)) based onthe control procedures. In some settings, varying fan speed as afunction of sensed temperature and humidity may assist in avoidingcondensation on objects within the same room as fan(s) (110); and/or mayprovide other effects.

As a merely illustrative example, the basis of the control logic may bederived from the thermal comfort equations in ASHRAE Standard 55-2010and/or other relevant comfort related theory or research. The air speedand perceived temperature, as described below, may be derived from theSET method of ASHRAE Standard 55-2010 and/or other relevant comfortrelated theory or research. The control logic may incorporate suchfactors as temperature, relative humidity, air speed, light levels,physiological condition of a user, and/or other conditions which mayexist; to determine how to most efficiently achieve acceptable levels ofoccupant thermal comfort. Controller (160) may learn the thermalpreferences of the occupants during an initial “learning period.”Controller (160) may then apply the control logic to the thermalpreferences of the occupant to reduce the energy consumption of HVACsystem (200) and fan(s) (110).

Communication between controller (160), HVAC system (200), fan(s) (110),and various sensors (130, 140, 150, 180, 190) may be accomplished bymeans of wired or wireless connections, RF transmission, infrared,Ethernet, or any other suitable and appropriate mechanism. Controller(160) may also be in communication with additional devices (which mayinclude computers, portable telephones or other similar devices) via theLocal Area Network, internet, cellular telephone networks or othersuitable means, permitting manual override control or other adjustmentsto be performed remotely. System (100) may be controlled by wall-mountedcontrol panels and/or handheld remotes. In some versions, system (100)may be controlled by a smart switch, an application on a smart phone,other mobile computing device. Such an application may include on/off,dimming, brightening, and Vacation Mode (as described below) among otheroptions.

A smart switch could include sensors (130, 140, 150, 180), including oneadapted for being positioned in a standard wall mounted box forreceiving a conventional “Decora” style of light switch. Such a smartswitch could be retrofitted within a space to provide information fromsensors (130, 140, 150, 180) to controller (160). A smart switch mayalso comprise controller (160) in addition to or in lieu of sensors(130, 140, 150, 180). Such a smart switch could be retrofitted within aspace to operate as controller (160) of exemplary system (100) bycontrolling any existing HVAC system (200), fan(s) (110), and/or anyother climate and environmental control products. For instance, thecontroller (160) in a wall mounted form could provide temperature orother sensed information to control or influence the set point of anassociated thermostat (1110).

The operation of the fan (110) may also be regulated independent oftemperature. For instance, the speed of the fan (110) may be modulated(such as sinusoidally between a pre-determined or user-defined maximumand minimum) based on one or more of the fan size or diameter, thenumber or type of airfoils, and the height of the fan. This may be done,for example, while in the unoccupied heating state, where the periodicincrease in speed would not impact user comfort. This may be done tooptimize energy consumption while effectively mixing the air in a space.

The frequency at which the fan speed changes may also be adjusted by theuser or automatically by the controller (160). In the occupied state,the regulation of the speed may be in accordance with a pre-determinedor user-set minimum, and may always be done when the fan (110) is inheating mode to help distribute the warmer air that has risen. A factoryset or predetermined minimum speed may also be used until adjusted bythe user, at which point the user-selected speed may become the minimumspeed used for the occupied heating mode.

As an example of the foregoing, the following table of data regardingthe maximum and minimum speeds is provided based on fan type/size andheight:

Speed Settings for Winter Mode (Destrat)

Fan Model: HAIKU 52″ Fan Elevation AFF Occupied Unoccupied Cycle (min)≤9 ft Speed 1.0 Speed 1.0-Speed 2.0 4.266666667  >9 ft Speed 1.5 Speed1.5-Speed 2.5 4.266666667

Fan Model: HAIKU 60″ Fan Elevation AFF Occupied Unoccupied Cycle (min) <9 ft Speed 1.0 Speed 1.0-Speed 2.0 4.266666667 9 ft-10 ft Speed 1.5Speed 1.5-Speed 2.5 4.266666667 >10 ft Speed 2.0 Speed 2.0-Speed 3.04.266666667

Fan Model: HAIKU 84″ Fan Elevation AFF Occupied Unoccupied Cycle (min) <9 ft 16.0 RPM 16.0 RPM-45.0 RPM 4.266666667 9 ft-10 ft 18.0 RPM 18.0RPM-45.0 RPM 4.266666667 >10 ft 18.0 RPM 18.0 RPM-45.0 RPM 4.266666667

The corresponding table is provided to relate the above speeds with RPMvalues for the exemplary fans:

Speed H52 H60 H84 1 48.5 35.0 44.0 2 79.0 70.0 64.0 3 94.0 85.0 82.0 4140.0 120.0 98.0 5 165.0 155.0 113.0 6 177.0 175.0 124.0 7 200.0 200.0133.0In terms of a pre-determined maximum and minimum speed, these values maybe empirically determined for a particular size or type of fan. Forinstance, the minimum speed of the fan could be assessed as the speedvalue for which there is an appreciable air movement at a particulardistance from a fan as perceived by a person. Again, if thepre-determined minimum is deemed unacceptable, it may be adjusted by theuser.

On the maximum side, the determination may be made based on whether afurther increase in speed results in an appreciable amount ofdestratification. For example, presume that a sensed temperaturedifferential of a particular amount (‘0.5’ degrees) between differentlocations (e.g., high and low) is a sufficient threshold for desirableair mixing. The maximum fan speed could thus be set to the value atwhich this threshold is met. This threshold could also potentiallychange depending on the application (large commercial space vs smallerresidential space).

With reference now to FIGS. 4-7 , a method for determining the height ofa fan within a given space is proposed. The method may involve using animaging device, such as a smart phone (200) having a camera, placed on afloor in the associated space to capture an image of the fan (110), asindicated in FIGS. 4 and 5 . The user then places the imaging device(phone) on an object having a known height (represented as h_(elevated)in FIG. 6 ), and takes a second image. The object may, for example,comprise a shipping box for the fan (110) itself, which could be printedwith indicia indicative of height (or, for example, a bar code than canbe scanned to provide an indication of height).

The following equations may then be used to calculate the height of thefan image, such as by using a software application on the phone (200).This equation may be used to calculate the height of a projected imageusing a pinhole camera:

${height}_{image} = {{- {focal\_ length}}\frac{{height}_{actual}}{{distance\_ to}{\_ object}}}$This equation may be modified to represent the distance to an object inan image for a lens of a given focal length:

${focal}_{length} = \frac{{size}_{image} \times {distance\_ to}{\_ object}}{{size}_{actual}}$In terms of fan images, the focal length and actual size are not known:

${focal}_{length} = \frac{{diameter}_{pixels} \times {distance}}{{diameter}_{actual}}$The equations for the two photos can be written as:

${f = \frac{{diameter}_{{pixels}\_{floor}} \times {distance}_{AFF}}{{diameter}_{fan}}},{and}$$f = \frac{{diameter}_{{pixels}\_{elevated}} \times ( {{distance}_{AFF} - h_{elevated}} )}{{diameter}_{fan}}$Solving for the unknown distance above the floor:

${distance}_{AFF} = \frac{h_{elevated}}{1 - {{diameter}_{{pixels}\_{floor}}\text{/}{diameter}_{{pixels}\_{elevated}}}}$Assuming the second photo was taken at a height of 48 inches (whichcould be inputted by the user), and the images are 244 pixels (low) and366 pixels (elevated), respectively:

${distance}_{AFF} = {\frac{48\mspace{14mu}{inches}}{1 - {244\mspace{14mu}{pixels}\text{/}366\mspace{14mu}{pixels}}} = {{144\mspace{14mu}{inches}} = {12\mspace{14mu}{feet}}}}$The height may then be used in connection with control of the fan (110)in the manner outlined in this description.

As noted above, the control system (100) or the fan (110) itself mayalso communicate with a thermostat (1110) in the zone or room, asmentioned above. In one possible embodiment, as illustratedschematically in FIG. 8 , the system (100) or fan (110) detects when thethermostat (1110) is placed into a “heating” mode of operation. Whenthis occurs, the fan (110) may be automatically switched into a “WinterMode” of operation, whereby the fan operates in a particular manner inorder to help destratify the air in the room.

In one possible version of “Winter Mode”, the fan (110) is caused tooperate in a forward direction at a particular speed correlated to theheight of the blades or airfoils of the fan (which height as noted abovemay be provided via a user input based on an estimation or may bedetermined using a typical camera associated with a “smart” phone orlike device), as well as based on the fan diameter, the number of foilsor blades, and the type or shape of materials used. Thus, for example,when a particular height is provided or determined, the fan (110) may beoperated at a particular pre-determined speed deemed appropriate for theparticular conditions (see above table), which speed of course may beuser-adjusted to assure comfort.

In this or another version, the fan (110) may also be caused to operateat a user-selected speed when room occupancy is sensed (by a sensorassociated with the fan (110) or a thermostat able to communicateoccupancy information to the fan (110)), but then operate at a differentcondition when the room is determined to be unoccupied (includingpossibly to disable the operation of the fan, or cause it to operate ata higher speed than when the room is determined to be occupied).Likewise, the fan (110) may be turned off in Winter Mode when occupancyis sensed, but may then automatically turn on when the lack of occupancyis detected.

Also, if a room is determined to be occupied and the fan (110) set tooperate corresponding to Winter Mode, the maximum fan speed may beautomatically decreased if the user lowers the fan speed, as this wouldserve as an indication that the maximum fan speed was too high for thegiven conditions. The fan (110) would persist under this condition untilthe user elects to change the fan speed again manually, or disables theWinter Mode feature. The particular operating conditions may bedetermined by the user preferences, or pre-programmed based on estimateddesirable speeds for a given height of the fan airfoils, which may beempirically determined.

It is possible that more than one fan speed may be deemed to beacceptable during times when the room is occupied. In such case, thesystem (100) may modulate the fan speed within pre-determined rangesbased on measured temperature differentials. This may be done, forexample, by using the outputs of the high and low sensors (130, 140),which may be associated with the fan (110) and thermostat (1110),respectively.

System (100) could be used in combination with a heating system (e.g.radiant heat flooring, steam pipe radiator systems, etc.) in addition toor in lieu of being used with HVAC system (200). Thermal comfort controlsystem (100) may operate as discussed above to determine and change ormaintain the temperature at the level of occupancy within a room. Fans(110) may be utilized to evenly distribute heat from the radiant heatsource throughout the entire space. This may improve energy efficiencyand decrease warm-up and/or cool-down time within the space.

Thermal comfort control system (100) may be programmed to learnpreferences of the occupant over a period of time. As an example of sucha capability, controller (160) may determine, as a result of theoccupant's preferences over time, that the occupant prefers a certainrelative humidity level in combination with a particular fan speedand/or temperature setting, or vice versa. Such preferences may beestablished for particular periods of time, for instance duringparticular times of the year such that controller (160) may establishdifferent occupancy preferences for different times during the year; orsuch preferences may be established for particular external conditionswhich may exist as discussed above such that controller (160) mayestablish different occupancy preferences for different externalconditions.

Automated dampers or registers (170) may also be included within HVACsystem (200) to rebalance the supply of conditioned air from HVAC systemby automatically diverting air to occupied zones and away fromunoccupied zones. Such dampers would allow controller (160) to divertair that would otherwise be wasted on unoccupied zones to those zoneswhich are occupied. The automated dampers may be driven by motors,solenoids, etc. that are in communication with controller (160).

Controller (160) may be capable of maintaining a lower temperature (inwinter) or higher temperature (in summer) in those rooms that areunoccupied, for instance by varying the temperature limit by 2° F.-3° F.until a room becomes occupied. As described in more detail below,controller (160) may be integrated with other thermal control productsin each room or zone to facilitate more efficient climate control.Controller (160) may also be capable of modulating a variable compressoror variable fan HVAC system based upon the state of automated dampers(e.g., as more dampers in a system are closed, the master controller mayelect to reduce the compressor rate or fan rate of an HVAC system inorder to reduce energy consumption and to protect the system fromover-heating)

Another benefit of the exemplary control system (100) is that it mayprovide scheduled thermal control, whereas traditionally an HVAC system(200) ran around the clock. Controller (160) may be programmed tooperate fans (110) and/or HVAC system (200) only during particulartimes. An example of such a time may be when the occupant is typicallyat work. Controller (160) may also be programmed to determineappropriate control responses based upon different settings ortemperature set ranges during particular times. An example of such atime may be when the occupant is sleeping; controller (160) may beprogrammed to a lower temperature set range (during winter) or a highertemperature set range (during summer) during this time, and then maybegin to raise (during winter) or lower (during summer) the temperatureat a time just before the occupant typically awakens.

The system (100) may also be programmed for less routine events, such asvacation (“Vacation Mode”), when, as described above, the system mayshutdown fans (110) and/or HVAC system (200) or determine appropriatecontrol responses based upon different settings or temperature setranges. Such a “Vacation Mode” or other less routine operations may bemanually triggered by the occupant and/or automatically triggered bythermal control system (100) after a lack of occupancy is sensed for anestablished threshold period.

During “Vacation Mode”, controller (160) may increase energy efficiencyby not operating HVAC system (200) and/or fan(s) (110), or by operatingHVAC system (200) and/or fan(s) (110) at more efficient energy levels.As discussed below, such operations may be tied into other any number ofclimate control products. In addition, system (100) may reset orotherwise reduce power consumption by a water heater and/or otherequipment capable of such control during a “Vacation Mode”. Temperaturedata obtained could also be used to determine when a room is in orapproaching a pre-programmed undesirable condition (i.e., near or belowfreezing), in which case the master controller (160) may be activated toprevent damage from occurring (such as to plumbing).

As shown in FIG. 3 , exemplary thermal comfort control system (100)described above may be combined with any number of climate andenvironmental control products, and the capabilities and operationsdiscussed above may be configured to include any number of climate andenvironmental control products. An example of such an additional productwould be automated blinds (920) that may be opened or closed (fully ormodulated to a particular amount) depending upon the light levels beingintroduced into the space at any particular moment. The blinds (920) mayalso be set in a “privacy” mode to prevent them from being opened whenintentionally closed.

Another example of such a product would be an air purifier (922) thatmay be utilized to improve the air quality within a room based upon airquality measurements taken by sensors (130, 140) described above. Yetanother example of such a product would be an air humidifier ordehumidifier (924) to control the relative humidity within a room basedupon the relative humidity measurements taken by sensors (130,140). Yetanother example of such a product would be a water heater (926). Yetanother example of such a product would be a scent generator (928) whichmay include an air freshener or other scent generating products for thepurpose of distributing aromatic scents or air quality enhancementsthroughout all the spaces or only particular spaces. Controller (160)may also be integrated with other network systems that will allow foradditional features to be controlled such as lighting and music amongothers.

According to a further aspect of the disclosure, and with reference toFIG. 8 , a fan (110) or group of fans (110, 110 a) may be connected toanother device that controls the heating or cooling (HVAC) system (200)for supplying conditioned air to a given space, such as a thermostat(1100). The fan (110) or group of fans (110 a) may then adjust tooperate based upon the thermostat (1100). For example, the adjustment orregulation of the fan(s) (110, 110 a) can be based on a reportedtemperature from the thermostat (1110) or a set point temperaturethereof.

In one example, the fan operation can reduce the sensed temperature, andthus make it feel cooler than the actual temperature in a room.Consequently, it is possible to then raise the set point on the controldevice, such as thermostat (1100), higher. This may be doneautomatically (such as by controller (160)), or upon request by a userusing any type of controller (such as a remote control device (D),including possibly a mobile or fixed (e.g., wall mounted) computer; seeFIG. 9 ).

The controller, such as device (D), may be programmed to automaticallysuggest the higher temperature (see element (E1) on a graphical userinterface (G) for remote control (D)). This may, be a suggestedadjustment based on the state of the fan (110); e.g., speed 4, asindicated by graphical element (E2), or simply an indication that thefan is operational. This adjustment may be selected by the user toadjust the thermostat (1110), or a different temperature may beautomatically selected. The fan (110) and thermostat (1110) may thenlearn the new, energy-efficient preferences and adjust accordingly(e.g., when a particular fan speed is selected for a given temperature,the thermostat (1110) may automatically adjust to a higher temperature).

In another example, the fan (110) or fans may operate based on thestatus of the device that is controlling the heating or cooling (HVAC)system (200), such as for example thermostat (1110). For example, thefan or fans may adapt to a “cooling” mode or a “mixing” mode (see above)depending on whether the HVAC system (200) is set to providing coolingor heating. The communication may be done over a communications network(either local or the Internet), and may be achieved by the fan(s) (110,110 a) communicating with the thermostat (1110) (lines A and B), or onecommunicating with the thermostat and controlling the other fan (lineC), which may be done via wired or wireless communication. The fan (110)may also be programmed to detect if the thermostat (1110) controls acooling system, a heating system, or both, as well as relatedtemperature thresholds.

Likewise, one or more sensors (130, 140, 150, 180) may be associatedwith the fan (110), as noted above. In the case of a temperature sensor,which in the case of a ceiling fan would be the contemplated“high-elevation” sensor (140), a temperature reading may be used toadjust the temperature set point, such as associated with a thermostat(1110), as indicated in FIG. 11 . This helps to ensure that the heatingor cooling (e.g., HVAC) system may operate to satisfy a temperature inthe area corresponding to the fan (110). A particular fan (110)associated with a set room preference or an occupancy state may beselected to control the temperature set point and thus regulate theconditioning device, such as an HVAC system (200), associated with thethermostat (1110). Alternatively, the fan (110) may itself incorporatethe thermostat (1110), which may be controlled remotely.

As noted above, the same functionality may be provided by way of one ormore controllers (160) in the form of wall controls (two shown, 160 a,160 b, but one or more may be used) having sensing capabilities (e.g.,temperature, humidity, occupancy, etc.), and also the ability to controlone or more associated devices. For instance, a condition sensed by oneof the wall controllers (160 a) can be used to adjust the set pointtemperature of the thermostat (1110), as well as to regulate theoperation of the fan (110) or lights (whether associated with the fan orotherwise). Furthermore, conditions sensed by more than one of the wallcontrols (160 a, 160 b) can be used similarly to provide correspondingregulation of the environmental conditions, such as by designating oneof the wall controls (160 a, 160 b) to be a master control, or both maybe used to control different thermostats (1110), such as associated withdifferent spaces or floors in a building.

In lieu of a conventional thermostat, a wall control (160 a or 160 b)may also be used to function as a zone thermostat in addition to servingas a sensing wall control for fans (110) and lights (associated with orindependent of fan(s)). As such, sensor inputs (temperature, occupancy(motion or thermal image), humidity, may be used to adjust HVAC heatingor cooling set points, to modulate zone dampers or adjust HVAC blowerspeed, in addition to controlling fan(s) or light(s).

As an example, FIG. 11 . Shows a space including four zones (Z1-Z4, eachassociated with a wall (W) to which a wall control (160 a-160 b) ismounted. One wall control (160 a) may measure lack of motion in anassociated zone (Z1) for some period of time and close the damper (170a) (or dampers) for that zone and adjust the HVAC system (200) tocompensate for the closed zones, such as through an intermediate (zone)controller (161). As another example, a person (P) in the zone mayadjust the zone set point lower because she is hot by pressing a buttonon the wall controller (160 a) associated with that zone (Z1). The wallcontrol (160 a, 160 b) could then adjust the speed of fan (110 a) toincrease air movement in the room and also open the zone damper (170 a)(or dampers) and HVAC system (200) to supply more conditioned air intothe zone (Z1). This may be independently done for each correspondingzone (Z1-Z4).

The or each wall control (160 a-160 d) may have a means for providingthe user with status of the equipment or environment through anintegrated user interface, or by means of a remote user interface (e.g.app over LAN or web page over a global communications network, such asthe Internet) for running on a device (D) carried by a person (P). Inthis case, at least one controller may be installed in each zone (Z1-Z4in FIG. 11 ) and may communicate directly with the HVAC system (200)over a secure, wireless network (such as Thread). Because each wallcontroller (160 a-160 d) is serving as zone temperature sensing deviceand communicates directly with the HVAC system (200) and zone controller(161), a traditional thermostat is not necessary for proper equipmentoperation. While four zones and associated devices are shown, it shouldbe appreciated that any number of zones and associated devices may beprovided in a given space.

Furthermore, using the control (160) the user may elect to set a minimumor maximum fan speed, such as applicable to either summer mode or wintermode, or both. Additional information about a space such as fan heightfrom floor, number/type/material of the blades or airfoils, or room sizemay be provided by the user to optimize performance (as outlined in theforegoing description). A user may also elect to increase the activationthreshold for the control device (e.g., thermostat (1110) at the time ofconfiguration (i.e., raise the temperature set point during the summer).Further, the user may be enticed to increase the activation thresholdthrough notifications by means of an Internet-connected device, such asa mobile computer (e.g., a “smart” phone or laptop computer).

Once communication has been established between the fan (110) or fansand the heating/cooling system (200), the user may elect to activate ordeactivate one or both of the fan modes. Upon activation of coolingmode, the user may elect to increase the cooling threshold of thethermostat (1110). In doing so, the cooling mode ‘effective temperature’of the fan (110) or fans may be set by default to the previousthermostat cooling threshold. If the thermostat (1110) is in a coolingstate, then the fan (110) may automatically change its state to coolingmode without user intervention. If the thermostat (1110) is in a heatingstate, then the fan (110) or fans may automatically change state tomixing mode without user intervention. Hysteresis may be applied toprevent the fan state from changing too rapidly. The user may also electto disable a fan (110, 110 a) in the event that the thermostat (1110) isneither heating nor cooling.

A cooling state can be ascertained by a) directly reading the state ofthe thermostat (1110) or b) reading the ambient temperature reported bythe thermostat (1110) as well as its cooling threshold. In this case, ifthe ambient temperature is greater than (or equal to) the coolingthreshold, then it can be assumed that the thermostat (1110) is in acooling state. In order to conserve energy, fan (110) may only operatewhen presence is detected in a space (such as by an occupancy detectorassociated with the fan, the thermostat, or both; note thermostat (1110)detecting individual I in FIG. 8 ).

A heating state can be ascertained by a) directly reading the state ofthe thermostat (1110) or b) reading the ambient temperature reported bythe thermostat as well as its heating threshold. In this case, if theambient temperature is greater less than (or equal to) the heatingthreshold, then it can be assumed that the thermostat (1110) is in aheating state.

Another aspect of the disclosure relates to the ability to calculateenergy usage of the fan (110) and HVAC system (200). The fan (110) or anassociated controller may then send electronic notifications to the userwith recommendations on how to improve system configuration in order tofurther conserve energy.

Having shown and described various embodiments of the present invention,further adaptations of the methods and systems described herein may beaccomplished by appropriate modifications by one of ordinary skill inthe art without departing from the scope of the present invention.Several of such potential modifications have been mentioned, and otherswill be apparent to those skilled in the art. For instance, theexamples, embodiments, geometrics, materials, dimensions, ratios, steps,and the like discussed above are illustrative and are not required. As afurther example, the technologies may be adapted to buildings havingmultiple spaces in which different ventilation or circulation devicesare provided (e.g., a space with a fan may or may not be conditioned,and may be in a building with a space that is conditioned but does notinclude a fan; diffusers may be used to regulate the provision ofconditioned air to any space based on the sensed conditions therein, andthe fan (110) or HVAC unit (200) may be regulated accordingly based onthe sensed conditions, including possibly by one or more fan(s) in thespace(s)). Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should beconsidered in terms of claims that may be presented, and is understoodnot to be limited to the details of structure and operation shown anddescribed in the specification and drawings.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A fan system for a space associated with aconditioner for conditioning air in the space, comprising: a sensor formeasuring a temperature in the space; a controller for controlling theconditioner based on the temperature sensed by the sensor; and a fan,separate from the conditioner, said fan adapted for circulating airwithin the space based on the temperature sensed by the sensor; whereinthe controller includes a set point temperature for regulating theon/off condition of the conditioner, and is adapted for adjusting theset point temperature based on the temperature sensed by the sensor. 2.The fan system of claim 1, wherein the controller comprises athermostat, and the sensor is connected to the thermostat.
 3. The fansystem of claim 1, wherein the fan is adapted for being mounted to aceiling in the space.
 4. The fan system of claim 1, wherein the sensoris connected to the fan.